Journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Wolves are currently ‘not at the table’ to sign Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix in the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: Wolves in race
As per 90min, the Old Gold are interested in a move for Felix, a deal that has not been dismissed outright due to manager Julen Lopetegui possessing considerable pulling power, despite the size of some of the other clubs linked.
Manchester United, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be ‘long-term suitors’ for the Portugal international, while Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United have also been ‘offered’ his services, and Aston Villa are ‘keen’ to talk to him.
The Latest: ‘Not at the table’
Taking to Twitter, Crook has revealed that the Wanderers are currently ‘not at the table’ for Felix, despite him being ‘hawked around’ to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and United:
“Re Joao Felix. He is being hawked around to various Premier League clubs including #AFC, #CFC and #MUFC (#Wolves not at that table at present). Desired loan fee of around £8m is proving prohibitive, particularly for United with ownership uncertainty.”
The Verdict: Statement signing
Felix would certainly be a statement signing at Molineux if they can fend off the high level of competition for his signature.
Lauded as a ‘world class‘ player by Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, the 23-year-old showed what he is capable of producing on the big stage at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring one goal and making two assists in four starts (Transfermarkt), before Portugal were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals.
The fact that Lopetegui’s side would only have to pay £8m to sign him on loan should appeal to them, and he is one of many clients of renowned super-agent Jorge Mendes, who also manages the likes of Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves and several other Wolves stars.
However, having already signed striker Matheus Cunha from Atletico, it will be interesting to see whether the Wanderers also go for his old team-mate.